Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia (ACD) is a rare lung disorder that affects newborns. It is caused by a genetic mutation in the FOXF1 gene. ACD is typically sporadic, meaning it occurs randomly and is not inherited from parents. However, in some cases, it can be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means that a child has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutated gene from an affected parent. Genetic counseling is recommended for families with a history of ACD to assess the risk of inheritance.
Is Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia hereditary?
Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia (ACD) is a rare and severe lung disorder that affects newborns. It is characterized by abnormal development of the alveolar capillaries, which are tiny blood vessels in the lungs responsible for exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide. ACD is typically diagnosed within the first few days of life and is associated with significant respiratory distress and high mortality rates.
Research suggests that Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia is often caused by a spontaneous genetic mutation that occurs during the early stages of fetal development. This means that the condition is not typically inherited from parents, but rather arises as a result of a random genetic change in the affected individual.
However, in some cases, Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia can be inherited in a familial pattern. This means that the genetic mutation responsible for ACD is passed down from one generation to the next within a family. In these instances, the condition follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, which means that an affected individual has a 50% chance of passing the mutation on to each of their children.
It is important to note that the familial form of Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia is extremely rare, accounting for only a small percentage of cases. Most cases of ACD are sporadic, occurring without any family history of the condition.
In conclusion, while Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia is primarily caused by spontaneous genetic mutations, it can also be inherited in a familial pattern in rare cases. Genetic counseling and testing may be recommended for families with a history of ACD to assess the risk of recurrence in future pregnancies.